21CFR part 11 complience data acquisition and display - The latest version of Yokogawa's DXAdvanced DAQSTATION range of data acquisition and display stations - the DXAdvanced R4 - features a number of new enhancements including an advanced security option that provides 21CFR Part 11 compliance, multi-batch capabilities, a ProfiBus interface and the new DAQManager data management software

Reliable powered wheelchairs - A TorqSense transducer from Sensor Technology, is helping ensure the reliability of powered wheelchairs, scooters, golf buggies and other electric vehicles, having been incorporated into a dynamometer rolling road built by PG Drives.

Machine builders assembly time saved - Thomson has introduced an innovative system that enables its TRUE planetary gearheads to be connected to any manufacturer's drive motor in a fast, simple and reliable manner

Machine builders assembly time saved - Thomson has introduced an innovative system that enables its TRUE planetary gearheads to be connected to any manufacturer's drive motor in a fast, simple and reliable manner

Latest processors now on VME boards - Concurrent Technologies has released the VP 717/08x family of 6U VME boards featuring the Intel® Core™ i7 processor family. Depending on the application requirements a choice of processors are supported: the 2.53GHz Intel® Core™ i7-610E, 2.0GHz Intel® Core™ i7-620LE and the 1.06GHz Intel® Core™ i7-620UE. Based on 32nm process technology and the new Intel® integrated memory/graphics controller architecture, these processors are from the Intel® embedded roadmap which offers at least seven year availability.

Card fold test - Lloyd Instruments has added a new packaging test fixture to its range of specialised grips and accessories for the Plus range of materials testing machines. This new fixture is designed to allow a pre-scored section of cardboard to be bent through 90 degrees and the maximum force required to perform this bending to be measured.

Tube fittings in tight awkward spaces - Brennan Industries has a new presetting tool used to preset ferrules on tubing prior to final assembly into a fitting. The presetting tool is ideal when an installation must be made in tight spaces or hard-to-work areas.

Drives provide flexibility to advanced motion control - Baldor Electric has just launched a new generation of smart drives. Offering economic and space-saving solutions for many common single-axis automation requirements, the drives also feature an Ethernet interface compatible with the deterministic Ethernet-compatible motion control standard, Powerlink.

Easy to install, time saving delayed valve - Tyco Waterworks has a new EBCO Delayed Valve (EBV), developed and manufactured to provide full flow replenishment of storage tanks used in high rise buildings, buildings with multiple outlets fed from storage tanks or from pumped systems

Young Stress Analyst competition - The BSSM’s (British Society for Strain Measurement) annual Young Stress Analyst Competition, is scheduled to take place alongside the 7th BSSM International Conference on Advances in Experimental Mechanics, to be held in Liverpool (GB) from the 7-9 September 2010

ATEX certification for prizewinning gas detector - Senscient has received ATEX International Certification from FM Approvals Ltd for operation of their new Open Path Gas Detector (OPGD) ELDS 1000 Series for methane and ELDS 2000 Dual Gas Series for methane and hydrogen sulfide in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Partnership provides facilities for LIMS - Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced that up to data has become a member of its Informatics Global Partner Alliance Program. This addition to the more than 70 partners already in the program demonstrates the company's global strength and presence and its ability to fulfill the growing market needs around the world.

e-letters and web publications received during week ending 26th March 2010 The world of Electronic Test Equipment The world of Robotic Systems Training & Certification News (ControlDesign) Training & Certification News (ControlGlobal) Phoenix e-news ControlDesign News Process Packaging 2 Automation Weekly ProfiNews (GB) ControlEngineering EME HazardEX InTech/Automation.com PLC Update What's working in marketing and e-business? Process News ControlGlobal e-news The Engineer: Monday Briefing There are a number of newsletters we receive which are only available in pdf format or are not available in html as web pages. These may not be listed here!

Planning trip… - Toward s the end of next month Read-out plans to attend the Advanced Manufacturing Show in Britain’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) south of Birmingham in the midlands of England. "This show's innovation is a window onto the drivers for today’s marketplace."

On-line tutorial - Keithley Instruments has created an interactive applications overview that provides instruction and insight into a variety of semiconductor measurement applications that require ultra-fast I-V measurements. The new overview is titled "Ultra-Fast I-V Applications".

New option for mixed signal oscilloscope - A FlexRay serial bus analysis function is now available as an option to 4-channel models in the Yokogawa DLM2000 Series of mixed-signal oscilloscopes.

David Spitzer's Industrial Flow Measurement presents a rational procedure for flowmeter selection that is based on factual information. Effective flowmeter selection requires a thorough understanding of flowmeter technology in addition to a practical knowledge of the process and the fluid. This book will help experienced engineers, technicians and others evaluate the appropriate criteria rationally to arrive at the proper flowmeter selection.

Papers please - The deadline for paper submissions for next October's ISA Automation Week is 16th April 2010.

No tools required to connect connector! - The Harting RJ Industrial® 10G is Harting's latest version of the world's first RJ45 connector requiring no tools for connection, and features a future-proof design compatible with 10-Gigabit Ethernet applications.

Pressure TX for hygenic applications - For hygienic pressure measurement, Baumer offers the electrical pressure transmitter ED701. It is especially suitable for applications in the pharmaceutical and food & beverage industries as well as in medical technology.

Direct on-line measurement of density and concentration - Endress+Hauser has introduced the Liquiphant M, a density meter that provides on-line measurements, eliminating the need for extensive and expensive off-line procedures and laboratory measurements.

Weather measurement at London show - Gill Instruments exhibited at Oceanology International 2010 marine science & technology exhibition in London’s Docklands (GB) in March 2010. Featured products on display were the New MetPak II Combined Weather Station as well as the WindSonic Wind Sensor, Extreme Weather WindObserver and WindMaster Pro Ultrasonic Anemometers.

Manufacturing solar panels - HelioVolt has implemented the GE Intelligent Platforms Proficy® Software suite in its new thin film solar PV module manufacturing plant. The company, based in Texas (US) chose GE’s software to increase plant yield and throughput, while meeting strict control and traceability requirements.

LVDTs successfully monitor structures in marine environments - Monitoring cracks in structures in coastal environments such as sea-walls, harbours and tunnels calls for transducers that are precise, robust and can withstand the corrosive marine atmosphere. RDP Electronics LVDT's provide accurate measurement of even the smallest movement in cracks, to provide essential diagnostic data that can be used to determine the cause and where necessary prompt appropriate remedial action.

Directors re-elected - At the annual general assembly of CiA (CAN in Automation), three directors have been re-elected: Arnulf Lockmann (Janz), Heinz-Juergen Oertel (Port), and Holger Zeltwanger (pictured right). They lead the non-profit association since 2005. The members also nominated the Technical Committee and Business Committee delegates (esd, Janz, Port, Schneider, Vector, and Wachendorff).

New low-cost USB device simplifies temperature measurements - National Instruments has announced the NI USB-TC01, a USB data acquisition (DAQ) device that measures and records temperature data from a thermocouple. The new device combines a quick and easy plug-and-play setup with the high-quality capabilities and features of NI DAQ products.

56th International Instrumentation Symposium - The International Society of Automation (ISA) is to hold its 56th International Instrumentation Symposium (IIS) on the 10-14 May 2010 in New York (NY US).Registration for the event is open, with online pre-registration extending until 3 May 2010.

Refinery margins improved by up to 25 cents per barrell! - Invensys Operations Management has released its Refinery-wide Performance Optimisation Solution. The company has leveraged and integrated multiple technologies from its solutions portfolio to deliver different aspects of real-time business operations management to the refining industry.

Load cells for tension control - Sherborne Sensors has introduced the SS6000 series, a range of fully customizable shear strain gauge load cells, designed to directly integrate with new or existing roll bearing systems, for high-precision force measurements within demanding web tension applications.

Refinery margins improved by up to 25 cents per barrell! - Invensys Operations Management has released its Refinery-wide Performance Optimisation Solution. The company has leveraged and integrated multiple technologies from its solutions portfolio to deliver different aspects of real-time business operations management to the refining industry.

Leading brand show in Chinese electronics community - electronica & Productronica China 2010 has achieved new record number of exhibitors, visitors and exhibition space. 380 Chinese and international companies participated in the show. The exhibition space covered 20,000 sq.m, nearly two times that of 2009. 32,125 visitors have attended the show. The number has increased by 14 % compared to last year's event.

Aimed at the management level, Bianca Scholten's reference, MES Guide for Executives: Why and How to Select, Implement, and Maintain a Manufacturing Execution System, from the ISA stable, demonstrates what a manufacturing execution system is and what it can do for you, and do so in a way that appeals to CEOs, CFOs, general managers, controllers, plant managers, production managers, and IT managers.

New product guide - CAN in Automation (CiA) has published the CANopen Product Guide 2010 on the Internet and on CD-ROM.

Longer warrenty and higher temp for encoders - Reflecting the total confidence in the quality of its wide range of WDG encoders and systems, German manufacturer Wachendorff Automation GmbH has extended its warranty from 3 to 5 years as well as increase the working temperature range of all WDG encoders to those used for military specifications.

High dynamic range cameras based on solar cell technology - A new range of cameras from Stemmer Imaging use a sensor based on solar cell technology to allow imaging from scenes which simultaneously contain both very light and very dark areas. This makes them ideally suited to use in environments with a very high dynamic range, or where there are strong and unpredictable brightness fluctuations.

"Stellar results!" - QUMAS showed ongoing growth and profitability last year. QUMAS signed up 24 new customers for their compliance solutions including Tufts University, Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, Siena Biotech, and several Fortune 100 companies in the Automotive, Banking, Energy, Insurance, and Technology sectors.

Licensing agreement for refinery process models - Invensys Operations Management has entered into an agreement with ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company (EMRE) that allows Invensys to sub-license a suite of EMRE's refinery process models to third parties. The suite of models will be delivered through Invensys Operations Management's market-leading SimSci-Esscor® optimisation software, using its ROMeo® solution to enable clients to model and optimise process units.

Test software combines electrical & mechanical analysis - During APEX 2010 Las Vegas ( NV US; 6-9 April 2010), ASTER Technologies, are to introduce the first Design for Test (DfT) software to combine electrical and mechanical analysis

White paper on "Tuning the Forgotten Loop" published -

Device profile for pumps - The Task Force (TF) pumps of the CAN in Automation (CiA) international users’ and manufacturers’ group has published the version 1.0 of the CANopen device profile for pumps (CiA 450).

Problems of Transport Delay Systems in Control Applications - A one half-day workshop/meeting will be held on Wednesday, 28 April 2010 at the University of Strathclyde sponsored by the IEEE UK & Republic of Ireland (UKRI) Section: Industry Applications Society (IAS) Chapter and jointly organised by the Universities of Strathclyde and Stirling and the Applied Control Technology Consortium (ACTC) on the problems that transport delays cause in a range of applications and particularly those in the process industries.

Meat analyser at Frankfurt food show - NDC Infrared Engineering will be showing the simple-to-use InfraLab at-line NIR Meat Analyzer at IFFA (8/13 may 2010 Frankfurt/Main D). At-line measurement using NDC’s proven NIR (Near Infrared) technology, provides a rapid and accurate measurement of moisture, fat or protein in meat, without the need to send samples off for time-consuming laboratory analysis.

New software for switchgear - Power Engineering v4.1, is Rittal’s new version of planning and configuration software for type-tested low-voltage switchgear of their Ri4Power systems, Form 1, Form 2-4 and Ri4Power Form 1 ISV. The software offers quick and easy generation of quotations and bill of materials with better assembly information and the capability to view the side of the assembly, where part numbers and their location within the system are indicated

Electronic clinometer - Sherborne Sensors has announced the AccuStar® electronic clinometer, designed to provide precision angular measurements within applications where a high degree of accuracy is required.

Melt pressure measuring chain for North America! - Kistler Instrument Corporation has announced the North American market introduction of Type 4021A, a melt pressure measuring chain with ½”-20 UNF thread, designed to simultaneously measure short duration pressure peaks and temperatures.

Advancement in the field of metabolomics - Thermo Fisher Scientific is providing the Scottish Metabolomics Facility (ScotMet) with cutting-edge technology to advance the field of metabolomics. ScotMet is funded by the Scottish Universities Life Science Alliance (SULSA) and is a state-of-the-art facility run jointly by the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde.

Costs cut for kits - An innovative solution, from Parker Hannifin looks set to help struggling British manufacturers cut the cost of production while at the same time improving both productivity and profitability.

Initial element of strategic alliance! - An initial element of the strategic alliance betweek Pickering Interfaces & Geotest-Marvin has been the creation of a joint web site designed to educate ATE users about the broad range of test products offered by both companies and to help users choose the best products for their application. The Alliance combines Geotest's expertise in Digital test, system integration and ATE software with the unmatched breadth of Pickering's catalog of PXI Switching and Signal Conditioning products.

New Intrinsically Safe sensor gives absolute measurement - A new MTS magnetostrictive sensor marketed by RDP Electronics offers the opportunity to capture highly accurate positioning measurement data in hazardous areas.

Standard and customised load measuring pins - LCM Systems designs, manufactures and supplies a comprehensive range of Load Measuring Pins (LMP) for a wide range of applications including crane overload protection, winch force monitoring and mooring tension measurement. Alongside standard ranges constructed in high tensile stainless steel, in-house design engineers can also provide customised solutions depending on particular application requirements.

IR imaging and thermography portfolio for scientific, industrial and security applications - Xenics is extending its range of products to the very promising high-volume security and high end thermography markets. At this year's SPIE DSS (5/9 Apl 2010 Orlando FL US) the company will highlight its substantial innovations by showing high quality products such as the Onca, Xlin and Meerkat families.

Enhancements to single board computer - GE Intelligent Platforms's recently-released A10200 AdvancedTCA® single board computer will now be offered with the option of the latest Intel® Xeon® processor 5600 series, formerly codenamed Westmere-EP and launched today by Intel. This innovative technology provides the dual processor A10200 with up to six cores and 12 Mbytes of L3 cache for each CPU, enabling a processing performance improvement of up to 50% compared with the dual Intel Xeon processor 5500-based version of the A10200, which continues to be available.

T&M catalogue published - Yokogawa Europe has produced a new shortform catalogue containing a comprehensive overview of the company's ranges of test & measurement instruments and solutions.

Quick connection technology for ProfiNet - The new RJ 45 plug connectors with Quickon fast connection technology for Profinet from Phoenix Contact allow four AWG22 wires to be quickly and reliably connected. The PNO Guideline specifies AWG22 wires to configure Profinet topologies.

Innovative motorised torque arm improves reliability and compactness in speed reduction applications - A brand new motorised version of the Dodge torque-arm shaft-mounted speed reducer from Baldor Electric Company will make its European debut at Hillhead 2010. (22/24 June 2010 GB) The product provides a breakthrough in compact and robust speed reduction, and complements Dodge's renowned belt-driven speed reducers.

Sensor for autosports - A new low-cost miniature laser displacement sensor that is particularly suited to autosports ride height adjustment and can also provide precision distance measurement in tough industrial environments is available from Variohm EuroSensor. The C-LAS-LT-65-ANA has a 0...+10V analogue output and is an ideal solution for the dynamic set-up of rally cars and some of the less well funded race series such as Formula 3000 where savings of up to 50% can be realised over other manufacturers laser sensors.

Magnetostrictive transducers - Gefran's MK4-S and IK4-S magnetostrictive linear position transducers now feature increased performance and higher EMC noise immunity thanks to an improved electronic design. The RS422-SSI interfaced transducers, available in IP67 sealed profile (MK-4) and open rod (IK-4) versions, benefit from contactless technology for extremely long life and low maintenance and can offer from 50 mm to 4 metres stroke length with positioning resolution to 2 µm.

Making even more sense for machine protection - Monitran has launched six new ranges of general purpose sensors. All sensors in the new ranges are available as top- or side-entry and with integral cables or connectors. Submersible and intrinsically safe versions are also available.

Cracking the new safety code! -

A first showing for innovative switching technology in Britain - At Drives & Controls 2010 (8/10 June 2010 Birmingham GB), Harting will present the first demonstration in Britain of Fast Track Switching: an innovative new switching technology that allows manufacturing organisations to integrate their office and automation networks into a single Ethernet-based communications platform: the Automation IT concept.

Automatic transfer switch - Gresham Power Electronics has just released its new Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), a state-of-the-art power switching and management module that monitors, selects, and transfers up to 600 W of AC power between two independent AC power sources in less than 10 mS.

Ultra-fast jet valves - The operating boundaries of solenoid valves for switching compressed air are being pushed back aided by advanced CAE techniques. Festo has launched a new series of jet valves providing exceptionally rapid switching times of less than 1 ms - an order of magnitude faster than standard pneumatic solenoid valves.

Power analysers - Fluke has introduced their 434/PWR Power Analyser for easy energy analysis. The instrument can uncover energy waste in commercial and factory buildings as well as in equipment and machines.

New AC speed controller - Rittal's new SK3120.200 is an electronic speed control for 2-pole single-phase AC motors which replaces the older controllers SK3120.000 and SK3120.115.

New management portal - The number of users at the online management portal netbiter.net for M2M and Remote Device Management is growing very fast. Due to increasing demands IntelliCom Innovation have introduced several new features to monitor, control and manage remote units in an easy, reliable and cost efficient way.

New brochure to clean up! - Emerson Process Management has published a new brochure that describes Fisher® cavitation control for dirty service applications. The brochure introduces four Fisher technologies that can be used in severe liquid flow conditions. They include the NotchFloTM DST control valve, Dirty Service Trim (DST), DST-G control valve, and 461 angle valve. Cutaway images and product data are included in the brochure.

e-letters and web publications received during week ending 13th March 2010 Advanced Manufacturing Exhibition Tehnical Press Insider The wiorld of Scientific Instruments ControlDesign e-news The world of Drives! Automation.com/InTech Weekly Control Engineering EME ProfiNews (GB) HazardEX ProfiNews (US&Canada) The world of Sensors & Switches ControlGlobal enews There are a number of newsletters we receive which are only available in pdf format or are not available in html as web pages. These may not be listed here!

Does a shielded cabling system provide better protection against background noise and AlienNEXT effects than an unshielded cabling system??? - While this has always been the assumption of most cabling engineers around the globe, it has now been proven by this comparative live test study of the GHMT AG!

Are we what we eat? - Automating a process to check that the sandwiches packaged for sale in a supermarket correspond to what it says on the label was a challenge faced recently by Stemmer Imaging. The company undertook a feasibility study which required that the sandwich was imaged through the 'clear' plastic packaging, while the label on the packaging was also read.

Favorably priced solution to visualize process flows - Today, simple and cost-efficient solutions are required for the automated operation of machines and plants: With its web panels, based on web technology, Phoenix Contact is offering a simple and favorably priced entry-level solution for the visualization of process flows of machines and plants. The new HMIs are suitable for operator control and visualization - especially for smaller machines where complex system screens do not have to be visualized.

Long-travel threaded test probe - The new P31/G test probe from Peak Test Services features a long plunger and a travel distance of 14.3 mm, making it ideally suited to test applications where contact has to be made deep inside a connector.

Temperature measuring system to fly at Las Vegas! - Seica has just introduced "Flying IC Thermal Detection Units" on its line of Aerial flying probers. Two IC Thermal Detection Units, are positioned on each side of the unit under test to detect thermal parameters of ICs under power. The purpose is to compare temperatures of "known good" boards to "suspect" boards and indict bad components in the depot repair environment.

Connector series with tripled voltage transfer capability - Hartings's surface-mount compatible series of DIN 41 612 connectors now has triple the voltage transfer capability of earlier versions.

Digital multimeter technical library on CD - Keithley Instruments has published a digital multimeter (DMM) technical library for engineers and researchers who use DMMs for a wide range of applications. This CD-based library includes more than 100 documents, including measurement tips, application notes, and product selection guides.

Torque transducers provide wide range of in-stock options - Datum Electronics successful M420 Series rotary torque transducers are now available from stock in a wide range of sizes and intermediate torque ranges.

Wireless starter gets smarter - Emerson Process Management has expanded its configurable Smart Wireless Field Starter Kit to include the Smart Wireless THUM Adapter and Wireless Position Monitors. These WirelessHART devices easily convert wired HART instruments and valves into wireless, for delivery of once stranded data improving plant performance and safety.

Unique training experience for British automation people - The PROFIBUS Group has announced that Manfred Popp, author of three influential books on industrial communications - The Rapid Way to PROFIBUS, The Rapid Way to PROFINET, and Industrial Communication with PROFINET - will be presenting a PROFINET Product Development course in Manchester (GB) on 5th May.

Safety management certified - Four engineers at systems integration specialist Hima-Sella have successfully completed the TUeV Functional Safety (FS) Certification Course, led by global functional safety expert Clive Timms.

Best managed company named - At a Gala Awards Symposium held recently in Dublin and attended by the Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen T.D., QUMAS was named as one of Ireland's Best Managed Companies by Deloitte.

Flying penguins! - Festo's famous bionic AirPenguins will be flying at The Gadget Show Live. Visitors can watch the popular Channel Five TV (GB) show's presenters perform a live version of the TV programme, and attend a range of special theatres and features to gain insight into top gadgets of the past, present and future, as well as see the Festo penguins fly.

Raman images and analysis become even easier - The XploRA™ Raman microscope has been launched with the ground breaking SWIFT confocal Raman image operation from HORIBA Scientific, and will enable this compact analytical Raman spectrometer to enter into the realm of the research microscope.

Torque tension testing - RS Technologies, part of PCB Piezotronics, has introduced LabMaster Portable Model 3210 for joint analysis torque-tension testing. Manufacturers who use threaded fasteners to assemble their products can benefit by using this system to verify the performance of their fasteners.

Transmitters convert up to three measurements into wireless signals - Honeywell has added universal input/output (I/O) transmitters to its family of XYR™ 6000 wireless products. The transmitters allow manufacturers to wirelessly monitor more plant points with fewer devices.

Sensors for water treatment - Water treatment applications place high demands on pressure and level measuring instruments. For these applications, Baumer offers robust sensors which are suitable for high vibrations as well as for the use with aggressive media. For example, sensors made of seawater-resistant Hastelloy C and with a ceramic sensing element are available for desalination plants.

EMEA distributor of the year - Farnell has been presented with the 2009 EMEA Distributor of the Year Award by Honeywell Sensing & Control. The important award recognises the high levels of sales and service performance achieved by Farnell during what was a challenging year for the electronics industry.

Medium voltage power products to support network upgrade - ABB has signed a $12 million framework agreement to supply medium voltage power equipment to ESB Networks, Ireland's nationwide power distribution utility.

Maintenance free torque sensor - Building on its worldwide reputation for high precision sensors, Kistler Instruments has developed a range of value for money sensors aimed specifically at manufacturing, production and quality assurance applications. The latest new product is the Type 4520A contactless, low maintenance torque sensor at around the same price as slip-ring types,

Accelerometer with digital temp compensation - Meggitt Sensing Systems has announced the global market launch of Endevco® model 7290E, a high-precision variable capacitance accelerometer with integral digital temperature compensation, designed for accurate measurement of low-frequency events and offering best-in-class thermal zero shift and sensitivity shift performance.

EX i isolation amplifier with SIL and Zone 2 certs - Phoenix Contact has added two new modules to its range of safety-relevant applications: The repeater power supply PI-EX-RPSS and the isolation amplifier PI-EX-AIS correspond to the requirements of EN 61508 for Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 2 and have been available since autumn 2009.

Wireless committees get their wires crossed -

Rational machines in factory automation - ISA has announced that its ongoing publishing partnership with O3neida has produced a new technical publication, Domain Ontologies for Reasoning Machines in Factory Automation, by Jose L. Martinez Lastra, Ivan M. Delamer, and Fernando Ubis.

e-letters and web publications received during week ending 5th March 2010 Industrial Networking e-news Opticpages Superfactory newsletter David W Spitzer's e-zine The world of Industrial Processing Equipment ControlDesign e-news The world of Shock, Vibration & Noise The world of Automation ProductInsights The world of Pneumatics InTech/Automation.com Weekly Control Engineering EME HazardEx IEN Europe The world of Valve Technology Factory Automation UpDate News Insights Process & Control Connections The world of Wireless Technology ControlGlobal e-news There are a number of newsletters we receive which are only available in pdf format or are not available in html as web pages. These may not be listed here!

How to save energy: fieldbus conference topic - PROFIenergy technology will be described and explained further at the annual PROFIBUS and PROFINET User Conference, scheduled for 29-30 June 2010 at Stratford-on-Avon (GB), alongside several other papers that discuss how PROFIBUS and PROFINET systems can be integrated into energy management programmes, particularly in relation to energy efficient drives.

Cost-effective intelligent servo drive - Based on the Technosoft MotionChip™ DSP technology, ISD860 is a flexible intelligent drive specially developed for motion applications that need cost-optimized design, embedded intelligence, networking possibilities and high servo performance control.

Designing greener cars requires sophisticated testing - The automotive industry's race to develop a new generation of high Performance, low emissions power plants has lead to the emergence of high capability test beds that simultaneously monitor multiple parameters. This need has been converted into a market opportunity by Sensor Technology.

Growth and opportunity in gloomy times: e-learning - IDC has now launched this trial concept into The Engineering Institute of Technology to focus on advanced distance learning in engineering and technology in areas such as industrial automation, electrical and mechanical engineering and industrial IT.

Drag and drop I/O mapping with built-in oscilloscope for tuning and diagnostics - ORMEC has announced the global launch of MotionSet™, a powerful, easy-to-use proprietary commissioning software, designed expressly for use with new ORMEC XD-Series Indexer Servo Drives.

How has the new social networking order effected publications in the automation sector? - A fascinating podcast has been released by Telesian Technology, the American comopany provides marketing, Web development, and e-business services especially in the field of automation. podcast. This interview was with two of the leading editors in the sector, Walt Boyes of Control Magazine and Gary Mintchel of Automation World.

How secure is your industrial network? - The International Society of Automation (ISA) recently announced the release of Industrial Network Security, 2nd Edition by David J. Teumim. This easy-to-read book introduces managers, engineers, technicians, and operators to how to keep industrial networks secure amid rising threats from hackers, disgruntled employees, and even cyberterrorists.

European legislation drives need for hydro-meteorological expertise - OTT Hydrometry's Managing Director Simon Wills says, "It is no longer sufficient to develop instruments alone; it is also necessary to provide a high level of expertise in areas such as the design of monitoring arrangements and in the collection and interpretation of data." In response to the changing needs of the market, OTT Hydrometry has recently recruited Robin Guy as a Senior Technical Engineer.

Extended fixed cost of ownership plus added benefits and discounts for thermal imagers - Fluke has introduced a range of CarePlans for recent and future purchasers of Fluke's latest Thermal Imagers.

Water & Waste conference details announced - The organisers of WWEM 2010 have announced that this year's Conference title will be 'Water Monitoring in the 21st Century'. The Conference presentations will provide information on the latest regulations affecting process and effluent monitoring with authoritative speakers from the British Environment Agency, ABB, SIRA, and UKAS.

Multi-application test system for optical devices and transmission systems - The Yokogawa AQ2210 Series is a new version of the company's multi-application test system: a modular system designed to offer a wide range of measurements on optical devices and optical transmission systems.

Calibration, maintenance, test and measurement - In the February/March issue of Read-out highlights the calibration, maintenance, test and measurement sector of automation.

Mobility validation - Invensys Operations Management has announced that its Wonderware IntelaTrac™ mobile solution has achieved Enterprise Mobility validation through Motorola's Enterprise Mobility Validated Solution Program. The IntelaTrac solution is a mobile workforce and decision support system.

Gateways extended with integrated 2-port switch - HMS helps to reduce system integration costs by releasing three new versions of the Anybus X-gateway family with Profinet-IRT functionality and with integrated 2-port switch technology.

Test and measurement catalogue published - Keithley Instruments has published its 2010 Test & Measurement Product Catalogue in CD form. The CD offers details and technical specifications on Keithley's general-purpose and sensitive sourcing and measurement products, DC switching, RF/microwave switching, data acquisition solutions, and semiconductor test systems. Useful selector guides and tutorials simplify choosing the right solutions for specific applications.

Virtual instrument cluster - Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) has announced a new application concept showing the possibilities for virtual instrumentation in future passenger and commercial vehicles. The intention of developing the virtual cluster application was to provide a 'right-sized' complete system solution including hardware and software components, a demo application, as well as tool support to enable a quick start to development.

Process industry essentials in automation - The International Society of Automation (ISA) has announced the publication of Essentials of Modern Measurements and Final Elements in the Process Industry: A Guide to Design, Configuration, Installation, and Maintenance by Gregory K. McMillan.

50 MHz function generator hits new price point - The new TG5011 from TTi is a combined function/arbitrary/pulse generator with a frequency range covering 1 uHz to 50 MHz. At under #900 (ca [euro]990 this morning!) the generator achieves a new price point below that of competitors' products offering only 20 MHz or 25 MHz bandwidth.

Maintenace management portfolio - SoftSols Group has extended its range of innovative solutions with the acquisition of Plan4 from Solutions PT. This Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) expert, which has a 25-year track record of success in the market, has announced the acquisition as part of its ongoing commitment to deliver simple, affordable software solutions which provide an outstanding return on investment.

Power quality analysis via Bluetooth - Outram Research has announced that Bluetooth(R) is available across its entire power quality range, becoming the first manufacturer to enable Bluetooth remote control on all its products. This means that power engineers can control the entire range of Outram's power quality analysers with one application running on a PDA.

New energy meters and controllers at NEMEX'10 - Carlo Gavazzi is using this year's NEMEX exhibition to present its latest products to address the energy market.

Fieldbus gateways - The new AS-Interface gateways for Profibus-DP from Phoenix Contact set themselves apart by the fact that AS-Interface networks can be simply integrated into a Profibus-DP system. The devices have a rugged stainless steel housing with IP20 protection and have been designed for installation in control cabinets.

Remote video surveillance capabilities - Control Microsystems Inc. (CMI) and Longwatch, Inc., a leader in integrated video surveillance systems, today announced the ability of the SCADA host platform, ClearSCADA, to provide video surveillance of remote processes and assets. Existing industrial networks can conveniently and cost-effectively transmit video images over the SCADA communication infrastructure.

Collaboration on dementia research - Thermo Fisher Scientific is collaborating with the BrainMet (Bioimaging of Metals in Brain and Metallomics) Centre at Forschungszentrum, J¨lich, (D) to advance dementia research by studying the effects of metals and metalloproteins in ageing and in the origin of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and Wilson's syndrome.

Differential pressure transmitter is easy to interface - The D02 is the new-generation differential pressure transmitter from Sensor-Technik UK. The device features a piezoresistive measuring element in a compact and robust stainless-steel housing to satisfy a wide range of differential pressure measurement tasks in applications ranging from mechanical engineering and industrial control to filter supervision and flow measurement.